Superintendent George Arlotto today recommended a $159.9 million FY2017 capital budget to the Board of Education that aligns with the recommendations of the newly updated school facilities study, maintains the priority of previously funded renovation or replacement projects, and provides funding for four new major projects, including a new high school in Crofton.
The request allocates nearly $74.6 million to the following existing renovation projects, in priority order:
- Severna Park High replacement (construction), $5.2 million
- Manor View Elementary School renovation (construction), $15.1 million
- High Point Elementary renovation (construction), $17.8 million
- George Cromwell Elementary renovation (design), $2.7 million
- Jessup Elementary replacement (construction), $17.4 million
- Arnold Elementary replacement (construction), $16.4 million
Based on the updated Strategic Facilities Utilization Master Plan developed by MGT of America and presented to the Board of Education earlier today, Dr. Arlotto’s plan also includes feasibility study and design funding for Edgewater Elementary School ($3.5 million), Tyler Heights Elementary School ($3.7 million), and Richard Henry Lee Elementary School ($3.2 million). The plan also includes $6.7 million design funding for a new high school in the Crofton area. All were among the highest priority schools listed in the MGT study.
“This is a prudent and practical plan that addresses construction needs and will continue to enhance the educational experience for students across our county,” Dr. Arlotto said. “It maintains the viability of projects that are already in the county and state funding pipeline and begins to chart a course laid out by the MGT study.”
In addition, Dr. Arlotto’s request includes $10 million for prekindergarten and kindergarten additions at Odenton, Woodside, and North Glen elementary schools; $10 million for gymnasium additions at Woodside and Millersville elementary schoolsp; and $7 million for open space enclosures at Chesapeake High School.
Dr. Arlotto also presented the Board with a six-year Capital Improvement Plan which allocates anticipated funding for projects through FY2022.
The Board will hold a public workshop on Dr. Arlotto’s request at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, in the Board Room at the Parham Building, located at 2644 Riva Road in Annapolis. No public testimony will be taken at the workshop, but testimony will be taken at a public hearing scheduled to be held before the Board takes up initial adoption at its regularly scheduled September 16 meeting. That meeting begins at 7 p.m.
After approval by the Board, the plan will be submitted to the State of Maryland for funding consideration. The plan will also be part of the school system’s overall FY2017 budget request, to be forwarded to the County Executive in February 2016 after the Board holds additional public hearings. The County Council will review that plan and adopt a final capital budget for the school system by June 2016.
The complete recommendation can be found here.